New York, NY — January 5, 2009 — A new International Council of Nurses Network has been established to promote excellence in nursing education. New realities of international migration, easier movement across and between countries, advanced communications technology, global health care, and a worldwide nursing shortage make the preparation of a 21st-century, diverse nursing workforce a critical priority. Based on strong interest from several of its member national nurses associations (NNAs), ICN has responded positively to a request coordinated by the National League for Nursing to establish the ICN Nursing Education Network. The new network provides a forum to address nursing educational issues worldwide.

"The ICN Education Network is a significant step forward in addressing nursing education and strengthening its contribution to the global health agenda," stated ICN president Hiroko Minami. "We need the voice of educators as we deal with the challenges of regulation and practice."

"ICN's mission to lead society toward better health dovetails beautifully with the mission of nursing education to ensure that graduates enter clinical practice equipped to successfully manage the conditions of health care delivery they encounter. We are pleased to stimulate an interest and marshal commitment to the establishment of this network. We look forward to working with and supporting ICN toward a successful launch in Durban in 2009," asserted NLN CEO Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN.

The network's inaugural meeting will be held during the 24th ICN Quadrennial Congress, June 27- July 4, 2009, in Durban, South Africa. Several countries have already signaled interest in collaborating on the development of an agenda; the NLN will work with ICN, its member NNAs, and interested individuals and educational organizations in moving forward. Among the primary items for exploration will be the international shortages of nurses and nurse faculty that exist in many countries.

Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the National League for Nursing is the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education, offering faculty development, networking opportunities, testing and assessment, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its 28,000 individual and 1,200 institutional members.

The International Council of Nurses is a federation of national nurses' associations in 131 countries, representing the millions of nurses working worldwide. Founded in 1899, ICN is the world's first and widest-reaching international organization for health professionals. Operated by nurses and leading nursing internationally, ICN works to ensure quality nursing care for all and sound health policies globally.